§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales what action is being taken by his Department to encourage district councils to make greater use of building society funds to supplement renovation grants.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsWe are actively considering ways of encouraging agency services to assist and advise homeowners as to the repair and maintenance of their homes, making full use of funds from building societies where appropriate. In particular we are financing a feasibility study for an agency project in the Cynon Valley which would be a collaborative venture between the local authority and a number of building societies. We shall also publish shortly a leaflet on block repair which encourages both homeowners and district councils to liaise with individual building societies or banks as potential sources of funding to supplement renovation grants.